Nursing entry

If you don't want to read about nursing or John's potty ability, please skip this entry entirely!

John is pretty good at using the bathroom, despite our dismal attempt at elimination communication when he was young. We half-tried for about three weeks, but John didn't like being naked - our house is really drafty, which might account for that! He was much more comfortable and happy wrapped in layers of clothes. Besides taking him when I go, he signals to use the toilet a few times each day. He often signs during dinner, but those mean something more like, "I'm done eating and want to go play with my bathroom toys." However, if he isn't in his high chair when he signs, it usually means he really does have to go. Today, while making lunch, I heard a grunt. Dan took John to the bathroom and John went. We're "catching" about 90% of #2s (which we have a lot of due to our very-high fiber family diet) and about 20% of #1s. I'm encouraged about the #2 catches due to horror stories I've heard about toddlers having a hard time learning to control #2s. John also squats down to go #2, so I think he'll have a reasonable time transitioning to a potty chair.

If you don't want to read about nursing, please skip the rest of this entry!

I read the synopsis of this book a few minutes ago and found the last "law", that babies outgrow breastfeeding, particularly appropriate right now.

John expects to nurse every morning, but goes down for naps and night time without nursing. He only nursed twice yesterday, and the second time was because I offered it to him. (Granted, the day before he nursed six times for a total of about 3 hours, but he also didn't nap well and nursed for about 1.5 hours before bedtime.) More and more frequently I realize that he has only nursed a few times each day. If Dan is home, he'll nurse for about three minutes before wondering where Daddy is. He loves climbing and would rather climb up the stairs or climb on and off of the bed or couch instead of nursing. At twelve months and no solids, it felt like nursing would never end. Now, I can't believe it is tapering off so sharply.